Jean Clair Todibo is undoubtedly set for some first-team action when West Ham travel to Liverpool on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup.
Given the performances of the Hammers’ defence, particularly Konstantinos Mavropanos, there has been a growing demand for Todibo to be selected to start for West Ham. While this puts a certain amount of pressure on the French defender, it certainly feels like the time to try something different.
However, it’s important that the form of the Barcelona centre-back isn’t just thrown to the lions against a formidable Liverpool front line, albeit a rotated one. Playing away at Anfield is a difficult task under any circumstances, and whoever plays in defense is likely to struggle.
Todibo started in the previous round against Bournemouth and was far from convincing. The 24-year-old was substituted early in the game and has reportedly been told that he is not tough enough for Premier League football.
Nonetheless, it’s crucial that he is given a chance to prove himself, not just against Liverpool, but also in the following game away to Brentford. The loanee has an obligation to buy clause of £3 million and was coveted by Manchester United and Juventus, making him a signing that West Ham cannot afford to miss.
I am somewhat concerned that a poor showing on Wednesday night in the League Cup could result in Mavropanos being reinstated to the starting lineup for the Premier League fixture against Brentford.
I’m not suggesting for a moment that Todibo is the answer to all of West Ham’s problems, but Julen Lopetegui needs to start building a defense, and the club’s long-term strategy is clearly cantered around a Max Kilman and Jean Clair Todibo partnership, so we might as well start now.